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Tree Planting Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Conservation Experience

$17.50 - $19/hr

... tree thinning using powered equipment. * Arrange environmental education activities and ... Hike, backpack, camp and cook outdoors while at front country and wilderness spike camps. Collect ...

American Conservation Experience

$17.50 - $19/hr

... tree thinning using powered equipment. * Arrange environmental education activities and ... Hike, backpack, camp and cook outdoors while at front country and wilderness spike camps. Collect ...

All JobsTree Planting Cook Jobs

Tree Planting Cook information

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$10

$17

$22

How much do tree planting cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting cook in the United States is $17.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Tree Planting Cook, and how can they be managed on the job?

Tree Planting Cooks often work in remote areas with limited resources and must prepare nutritious, high-energy meals for large crews working long hours outdoors. Managing supply logistics, adapting to changing crew sizes, and maintaining food safety without standard kitchen facilities are common challenges. Effective planning, strong organizational skills, and flexibility are key to meeting these demands and supporting the team's morale and productivity. Collaboration with camp managers and planters helps ensure dietary needs are met and operations run smoothly.

What are Tree Planting Cooks?

Tree Planting Cooks are specialized cooks who prepare meals for crews working on tree planting projects, often in remote or outdoor locations. They are responsible for planning menus, purchasing and transporting food supplies, and cooking nutritious meals for large groups, typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These cooks work long hours and must adapt to challenging conditions, such as limited kitchen facilities and unpredictable weather. Their role is crucial in supporting the health and morale of tree planters during the planting season.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tree Planting Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tree Planting Cook, you need experience in large-volume meal preparation, safe food handling, and basic nutrition, often supported by a food safety certification. Familiarity with camp kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and time-efficient meal planning tools is typical. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work independently in remote, high-pressure environments help cooks excel in this role. These skills ensure crews are well-nourished and operations run smoothly, directly supporting the productivity and morale of tree planting teams.

What is the difference between Tree Planting Cook vs Tree Nursery Worker?

AspectTree Planting CookTree Nursery Worker
CredentialsBasic food handling and safety certificationsHorticulture or nursery certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor planting areasNurseries, greenhouses, outdoor garden centers
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental organizations, forestry projectsNurseries, landscaping companies
Work TasksPreparing meals for workers, supporting field crewsPlant care, soil preparation, transplanting

While both roles involve outdoor work related to trees, the Tree Planting Cook focuses on supporting planting projects through food preparation, whereas the Tree Nursery Worker specializes in caring for and cultivating young trees in nursery settings. Their skills, certifications, and work environments differ, catering to distinct aspects of forestry and horticulture industries.

More about Tree Planting Cook jobs
What job categories do people searching Tree Planting Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Planting Cook jobs are:
Tree Planting Cook jobs near you
Seasonal Grounds Laborer - Sports Complex

Seasonal Grounds Laborer - Sports Complex

City of Elgin

Elgin, IL • On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW The City of Elgin is seeking Part-time Seasonal Grounds Laborers to be responsible for maintaining the grounds and facilities at the Elgin Sports Complex and Jack Cook Park while working under the direction and supervision of the Sports Complex Crew Leader. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Operates golf carts, power mowers, tractors, edger, string trimmers, etc. Performs maintenance and minor repairs on such equipment.

Weeds and mulches shrub beds and trees and weeds turf areas. Performs litter pickup and emptying of trash receptacles. Unlocks and secures facility at on weekends.

Constantly be aware of good public relations, be pleasant to all park patrons, and maintain the proper image, including required daily uniform. Report all maintenance needs, whether suggested by patron or discovered on your own, to Sports Complex Crew Leader. Attend all staff training sessions and ongoing staff meetings as required for the job Set up and daily maintenance of ballfields including base set up, drag, lining.

Other duties include; watering field on dry days, removing water from field and applying drying agents after rain. Facility maintenance including daily cleaning of bathrooms. Assist forestry staff in all ground operations during the removal / trimming / stump grinding / tree planting / parkway restoration of City maintained right-of-way trees and properties.

Performs other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Must possess sufficient stamina to work under all types of weather conditions and to lift/carry/pull a variety of tools, equipment, and materials. Climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching are required, as well as work in dusty and noisy conditions Experience with small engines, riding equipment desired Responsible person interested in working in outdoor environments MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Must be at least 17 years of age Reliable person with good work ethic Must posses and maintain valid driver's license Hours will vary, Monday through Sunday depending on facility schedule.

Weekend and holiday hours will be required.

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